Updated renderings, official name, website, and opening timeline have been revealed for the upcoming mixed-use hotel at 3257 North Halsted Street in Lake View. Now known as the Backbeat Hotel, the property has been in development for just over a year at the corner of West Aldine Avenue by developers Allan O’Brien of Men’s Room, along with InFocus Builders.
PREVIOUS (left) – current (right) renderings of Backbeat Hotel by JSA and SRB
Backbeat Hotel rendering by JSA and SRB
The LGBTQ+-centered property is being designed collaboratively by Jonathan Splitt Architects and Studio Rodrigo Buelva. The new structure will replace the former home of Yoshi’s Cafe and will take inspiration from Chicago’s alternative and house music scene. This has led to a redesign of its exterior to include more rounded corners, protruding window frames, and custom lighting.
Backbeat restaurant rendering by JSA and SRB
Backbeat rooftop rendering by JSA and SRB
Backbeat pool rendering by JSA and SRB
Inside, the hotel will feature a basement speakeasy lounge accessed through a wall of vinyl sleeves, a Japanese-inspired Chicago-soul restaurant on the ground floor with a patio, a small lobby, and a rooftop pool and lounge under a retractable glass roof for year-round use. All of these amenities will be accessible to the public as well as hotel guests.
Backbeat room rendering by JSA and SRB
Backbeat room rendering by JSA and SRB
The six-story structure will contain 50 hotel rooms, including 12 suites. The rooms will take on a modern minimalist aesthetic and will even be able to sync to guests’ pulses, per the hotel’s website. While the rainbow fins on the exterior may be gone, they have been replaced with translucent panels illuminated by LED lights, allowing the hotel to create various displays.
Backbeat Hotel rendering by JSA and SRB
Backbeat Hotel rendering by JSA and SRB
Having been fully approved by the city late last year, the development team appears to have secured funding and is planning to commence demolition of the existing building this summer. This will be followed by 18 months of construction ahead of a planned 2028 opening, according to Windy City Times.
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Much better!
Love it! Not only is the hotel needed in the neighborhood, but it will be nice to have a new restaurant and cocktail/bar space too!
Waaayy better! Forward thinking. Chic. Will be a great addition to the street and neighborhood if executed well.
Wow! Huge upgrade from the previous version.